In a defiant stand that shakes the political landscape, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has adamantly refused to apologize for his controversial remark about the Modi surname, leading to his disqualification as a member of parliament (MP). He has instead pleaded with the Supreme Court to stay his conviction in the criminal defamation case, staunchly claiming his innocence.

The comment, “How come all thieves have Modi as the common surname?” made during an election rally in Karnataka in 2019, has put him at the center of a political storm. BJP leader and former Gujarat minister Purnesh Modi, who filed the defamation case, has used “slanderous” terms against Gandhi, according to an affidavit filed by the Congress leader.

Despite facing legal action and consequences under the Representation of People Act, Rahul Gandhi asserts he is not guilty, urging for a stay on the conviction to enable his participation in ongoing Lok Sabha sittings. With the stakes of free speech and political purity at play, the case has drawn nationwide attention.

Earlier, Purnesh Modi sought the dismissal of Rahul Gandhi’s appeal, accusing him of defaming those with the Modi surname, particularly people from the ‘Modh Vanik’ caste of Gujarat.

Rahul Gandhi’s disqualification as MP came after a Gujarat court convicted him, sentencing him to two years imprisonment. Subsequent appeals for a stay on conviction were dismissed, with the courts emphasizing the need for “purity in politics.” Rahul Gandhi’s appeal filed on July 15 warns that if the judgment is not stayed, it would lead to the stifling of free speech, expression, thought, and statement.

The Congress leader’s bold stance and refusal to bend to pressure create an exceptional case in Indian politics, with many waiting with bated breath for the Supreme Court’s response.

  BJP, Congress, Gujarat, India, Karnataka, Purnesh Modi, Rahul Gandhi, Supreme Court